February 2012 Archives

Guest Room

Caregivers for a seriously ill partner or family member often wear a Big C on their chest. It doesn't stand for cheerleader, caregiver, or cancer, although what the Big C represents has the effect of a cancer in its ability to weaken and destroy. The Big C stands for codependence and codependent behavior.

Don't Try This At Home

If you're of a certain age and love movies, then you probably know that Spring is your last chance until Fall to see something that isn't a sequel or wannabe blockbuster. I don't know about you, but if I see another trailer for Batman XII...or Spiderman XVI...I may jam an ice pick in my forehead.

I'm giving the ice pick a rest for the time being. It's only because I've found at least three movies that have mature themes and don't feature latex costumes (hey, what you guys do in the privacy of your own home is your business) or anybody dressed like a pirate or a flying arachnid.

You probably haven't heard about these yet, but they're coming soon to a Cineplex near you. Trust me, these are three you'll want to see.

Jeff Who Lives Alone

Jason Segel is a failure-to-launch, live-at-home, man-child (yeah, that's a lot of hyphens - deal with it) with a perpetually perplexed mother (Susan Sarandon). His do-good brother (Ed Helms, The Office) is drafted to help Segel get off the couch and into the work world - and that's when the sh** really hits the fan.

The way of love is littered with the corpses of relationships like this.

With spring just around the corner, it could be time to shake things up.

The folks at Neutrogena want to help you do just that. They've joined Bob and me to offer five lucky girls the chance to put on a fresh face ... free!

You could win a super-cool, cosmetics collection handpicked for Boomer Babes like us. Valued at $40, this set of smart beauty basics is designed to play up your natural beauty while improving skin health. Bonus! It includes four fab Neutrogena finds sure to kick start your look:

We're giving away five Neutrogena cosmetic collections handpicked for Boomer Babes. Each one includes these four smart beauty basics designed to play up your natural beauty while improving skin health:

Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector

Nourishing Eye Quad

Nourishing Eye Liner

Revitalizing Lip Balm

You could win this $40-value set ... FREE. Click "Read More" for details on how to enter. Contest* ends March 8!

In the Mirror

Our hands speak volumes. I started worrying about the message mine were sending after talking with one of my girlfriends (who shall remain nameless!). She laughingly confided that her cute, little granddaughters always wanted her to play the wicked, old witch because she has "wrinkly" hands.

DVDelicious

Straight- to-DVD movies are a lot like Forrest Gump's famous line about life being like a box of chocolates, "you never know what you're gonna get". Catch .44, the new film by director, Aaron Harvey, is the cinematic definition of that Gumpism - for a full 93 minutes, you never know what you're gonna get.

Don't Try This At Home

I'll admit that I'm not the most romantic person on the planet (Charlotte would be the second person to tell you that).

Not really big on hugs. Kiss hello? NMD. It's not that I have anything against these things. They're just not part of my romantic DNA.

That doesn't mean I don't like romantic songs. Oh HELL no. There are some terrific ones that Charlotte and I both love. We've chronicled our (almost 34 years) life together with a soundtrack that ranges from Cole Porter to The Shins.

So, with Valentine's Day almost on top of us (great metaphor for the #1 sex holiday of the year AMIRITE?) I'm offering up a Baby Boomer V'Day Playlist to get you in the mood. If at least ONE of these songs isn't on your playlist, then Dude, you're a bigger curmudgeon that me. And you don't really want to go there, do you?

The Boomer Brief Valentine's Day Playlist

Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) - Diana Krall

This classic has been recorded by everyone from Ol' Blue Eyes to Rod Stewart, but the version l like best is from Mrs. Elvis Costello (Diana Krall).

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - Van Morrison

Listen to the lyrics and I think you'll agree that this Van Morrison song captures the Celtic singer's charm better than just about anything.

This one line has kept more men out of trouble than just about anything ever written.

Calling all Boomer Babes, Bob and I have joined six first-class beauty experts to give away an extreme makeover-in-a-box.

The super-SWEET swag, valued at more than $740, includes 14 hair and skincare essentials from around the globe. Designed to keep time in its place, this passport-to-a-new-you is for us girls but it also contains some anti-aging goodies for your guy (it's time he thought about his skin too!).

Minus417

New to the U.S., Minus417 anti-aging skincare products add moisture, help regenerate skin cells and prevent the signs of aging. The collection is based on ingredients from the lowest place in the world: 1,373 feet (that is 417 meters)below sea level, a place where time stands still.

Made from all-natural active components, these treatments are paraben- and mineral oil-free. They feature a unique Vitamin Mineral Complex that blends select, moisture-balancing minerals from the Dead Sea, energizing antioxidantvitamins and unique plant extractsfrom France. Suitable for sensitive skin, this anti-allergen complex helps:

Daily Distraction

In the Mirror

Go, go, go. I run from my desk to errands to meetings. Next thing you know, the day's done and I have only minutes before book club, Bunco or date night with Bob (still a thrill after 30+ years of marriage!). If I'm not careful, my fine, thin hair can look as frazzled as I sometimes feel.

Catching Up With..

We all have people in our lives who are smart. The really lucky ones among us know people who are crazy smart. If you're a friend of Dr. Jean Greaves you're automatically in the really lucky column. This Baby Boomer is an accomplished author, speaker, psychologist, CEO and Mom.

DVDelicious

The first thing you need to know about The Chateau Meroux is that Charlotte liked it. For those who think my taste in movies sucks is questionable, you can stop reading now - move The Chateau Meroux to the top of your Netflix queue - and click back to the boot sale at Zappos.com.

Taking Off

I love "Rules of Thumb" - no, not the Punk Band - I'm talking about those little guidelines we all live by. Charlotte can tell you the best time to buy shoes (anytime) and I can tell you the best time to buy a TV (it's right now - the week before the Super Bowl). But, how do you know the BEST time to travel?

Guest Room

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals

Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Playing Favorites

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.